IAAF approves the application of a further 16 russians to compete internationally as neutral athletes

Monaco, July 09, 2017: The IAAF Doping Review Board has agreed that the applications of 16 Russian athletes have met the exceptional eligibility criteria to compete in international competition as neutral athletes under competition Rule 22.1A(b) while the Russian national federation (RusAF) remains suspended.

The Doping Review Board, which is composed of Robert Hersh (chair), Sylvia Barlag and Antti Pihlakoski, has accepted the applications of the following athletes:

The participation of all these athletes as neutral athletes in international competition is still subject to formalities for eligibility under IAAF Rules being completed and subject to acceptance of their entries by individual meeting organisers.

In total this year 39 applications have been approved, of which nine are for the forthcoming IAAF World U18 Championships.

IAAF President Sebastian Coe commented: “It is important to reiterate that this review process is about ensuring there is a level playing field in which the world’s clean athletes have confidence.

I want to thank once again the members of the Doping Review Board for their continued dedication and diligence in assessing these applications to compete internationally as independent neutral athletes. It’s a huge task and one which cannot be rushed if we are to ensure the rights and aspirations of clean athletes are protected.”

Since publication of updated guidelines under Rule 22.1A(b) earlier this year, the IAAF has received over 150 applications from Russian athletes, more than 50 of which have been endorsed by their national federation RusAF.

A number of these applications remain under review by the Doping Review Board in accordance with the guidelines while stored samples continue to be re-analysed and the athletes referenced in the Independent Person’s report published last December continue to be assessed in consultation with experts.

This being an ongoing process, the IAAF will only make announcements as and when decisions are made by the Doping Review Board concerning successful applications and those athletes have been duly informed.

Please note:
A total of 25 Russian athletes (23 in 2017 and two in 2016) have previously been declared eligible under Rule 22.1A to compete as neutral athletes and they remain eligible to compete in international competition subject to acceptance by individual meeting organisers: